Seemor
Bobby's Place
140 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
· American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Burrito restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (498 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Beloved old-school burger and burrito joint with friendly service and nostalgic vibes, solid flavors and great prices, but some consistency and cleanliness concerns to note.
Restaurant Summary
Bobby's Place feels like a time capsule in the best way: a counter-service diner where friendly staff greet locals by name, sports run on TV, and Pasadena nostalgia lines the walls. One fan put it plainly: "It still tastes like the spot we grew up on." The room reads clean and cozy, though a few visitors mentioned variable oversight during slower hours. Overall it is a warm, low-key hang for burgers and tacos. The cooking leans classic American with a SoCal spin: French cheeseburgers on sourdough, Ortega green chile burgers, crispy tacos, and hearty burritos. Expect straightforward flavors over flash; when it is on, burgers sing and fries arrive in generous piles. A few diners called out inconsistency—salty patties, soggy lettuce, or flat beans—so stick to crowd favorites if it is your first visit. Families will do well here. The menu has kid-ready staples like cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, fries, and simple tacos. Breakfast sandwiches and tacos fit picky eaters, and portions are shareable. No kids' menu is listed, but based on options and price points, it is an easy family stop for a quick, casual meal.
At a Glance
- Beloved local spot with Rick's-era nostalgia and friendly counter service
- Standout French cheeseburger and hard shell tacos at fair prices
- Inconsistency reported (salty patties, soggy buns, bland beans)
- Occasional cleanliness/oversight complaints inside the service area
- Sides are large but priced higher than expected for a diner
What Sets It Apart
- Rick's legacy nostalgia
- French cheeseburger on sourdough
- Large fry portions
What People Love
- Nostalgic atmosphere that feels like old Pasadena
- Friendly staff who help at the counter
- French cheeseburger on sourdough
- Crispy tacos with beloved hot sauce
- Hearty portions of fries and rings
Points of Concern
- Occasional salty burger patties or underseasoned beans reported by multiple diners
- Reports of soggy buns from wet lettuce; ask for well-drained toppings
- A few complaints about in-venue cleanliness/people behind counter not in uniform
- Sides are big but no half orders; fries and rings can feel pricey for some
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$16-22 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Opt for the #1 Cheeseburger Special ($13.99) for built-in value
- Share one order of fries ($7.49); portions are large
- Vegetarians: cheese quesadilla or bean tostada with avocado add-on
Perfect For
- Casual burger-and-fries cravings
- Quick solo lunch near Lake Ave
- Low-key family dinners
- Nostalgia trips for Rick's fans
Location Insights
Area: Busy commercial corridor near supermarkets and gas station; daytime foot traffic with locals and office workers.
Safety: Generally safe Pasadena thoroughfare; occasional reports of discomfort inside suggest variable in-venue oversight.
Nearby: Near Ralphs and a 76 station; convenient for quick bites, errands, and commuters.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–20:00
Tuesday08:00–20:00
Wednesday08:00–20:00
Thursday08:00–20:00
Friday08:00–20:00
Saturday08:00–20:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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